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The Snow Queen
BETHESDA, MD (November 17, 2020). This winter, Imagination Stage presents for a new kind of theatre experience designed expressly for the current moment. The Snow Queen is a two-part at-home theatrical event – a live interactive prequel performance presented via zoom and a full-length recorded performance of the play. Presented just in time for the festive season, The Snow Queen allows families to continue the holiday tradition of live theater in a COVID-safe way.
In this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous winter fairy tale, a powerful friendship is put to the test as four narrators bring to life the story of Gerda and Kai, life-long best friends whose relationship is broken by the unfeeling SnowQueen. This timely story of courage, wit, and unshakable resilience is written by Mike Kenny, directed by Janet Stanford, and presented in a one-of-a-kind virtual theatre experience.
“Epic stories about good triumphing over evil live deep within the human psyche, and have much to teach young people about how to navigate their world,” said Founding Artistic Director Janet Stanford. “Mike Kenny’s adaptation of Andersen’s famous classic is grounded in four very real children’s lived experience as they figure out what it means to be a friend. A tale for now and always – inspiring, affirming, and perfect for the holidays.”
The pre-recorded professional production of The Snow Queen is accompanied by a 25-minute live interactive prequel story, written by Stanford, where families join characters from the story on Zoom for a pre-show journey that sets the stage for the play. Zoom prequel performances are designed to be exclusive and interactive – only 15 families are admitted at each performance – and allow audiences to interact directly with the actors and characters of the show.
The Snow Queen, adapted from the story by Hans Christian Andersen, is best for ages 5+ and runs from December 12, 2020 to February 28, 2021, fully online. Tickets are $29 per household and are available online at imaginationstage.org or via phone at 301-280-1660.
Virtual field trip options are available for schools and groups. Field Trip packages include a virtual, actor-lead workshop that connects students to the themes of the show. The interactive and dynamic in-class workshops – lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour- were designed in consultation with renowned child psychologist and author Dr. William R.Stixrud, PhD to meet students’ social and emotional needs as they cope with the continued effects of the pandemic.
ABOUT THE PLAY
The Snow Queen
Written by Mike Kenny
Adapted from the Story by Hans Christian Andersen
Directed by Janet Stanford
Best for ages 5+
In this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous winter fairy tale, a powerful friendship is put to the test as four narrators bring to life the story of Gerda and Kai, life-long best friends whose relationship is broken by the unfeeling SnowQueen.
ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Recently named Producing Artistic Director of Imagination Stage, Janet Stanford will direct The Snow Queen. Lind Bard (The Merry Wives of Windsor at Folger Theatre, Crystal Creek Motel at Flying V Theatre) and Charles Franklin IV (Day of Absence and Blood at the Root at Theater Alliance) will play the lead roles of Gerda and Kai, with Jasmin Joy Brooks (The Pigeon Trap at Keegan Theatre, The Powers that Be, #solestories at Venus Theatre) and Drake Leach (Matilda at NextStop Theatre,Ripple at Rorschach Theatre) also appearing as supporting cast. Tim German (Crystal Creek Motel with Flying V Theatre) and Garciela Rey (Klecksography at Rorschach Theatre, The Boy Detective Fails at American University) will serve as alternates for the roles of Kai and Gerda respectively.
The show is lighting designed by Max Doolittle (Anatole, Mouse Magnifique! at Imagination Stage, Amadeus at Folger Theatre), scenic designed by Ali Mark (Dorothy Meets Alice and Winnie the Pooh at The Alden Theatre), costume designed by Alysha DeVries, and sound designed by Justin Schmitz (Forgotten Kingdoms at Rorschach Theatre, Bunnicula at Gallaudet University).
PREQUEL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
December 12, 2020 – February 28, 2021
Zoom prequel performances run every half hour on Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $29 per household, currently discounted to $25 per household
Best for ages 5+
SOCIAL MEDIA